The following is translated from the original:
Since its release, artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT have had a huge impact on content creation. There is an ongoing debate in schools and universities about whether these tools should be allowed or banned.
Now, researchers in Sweden have investigated the relationship between teenagers ‘executive function (EF) and their use of generative artificial intelligence chatbots and their perceived usefulness for school homework. Their research results were published in Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence.
“Students facing more EF challenges find these tools particularly useful, especially when completing homework,” said Johan Klarin, a school psychologist and research assistant at the Department of Psychology at Lund University. “This highlights the potential support of these tools for students struggling with cognitive processes critical to academic success.”
However, researchers also note that over-reliance on these tools may hinder or delay EF development and student learning. “This should be carefully considered when implementing AI support in schools, and its impact should be studied longitudinally,” added Dr. Daiva Daukantaitý, associate professor at Lund University, who led the project.
perceived usefulness
Researchers conducted two studies. The first sample included 385 teenagers, aged between 12 and 16, enrolled in four primary schools in southern Sweden. The second study included 359 students aged 15 to 19 from the same high school.
Research shows that the usage rate of artificial intelligence chatbots is about 15% among young teenagers and about 53% among older students. One possible explanation is that older students are often assigned complex assignments and may therefore use artificial intelligence tools more frequently. The researchers also noted that the two studies were conducted at different times-Study 2 was nearly a year later than Study 1-which may indicate that the use of artificial intelligence has generally become more popular during this time.
More importantly, however, research shows that students who experience difficulties with EF believe that generative AI is more useful for academics than their peers. Researchers say one possible reason is that these students experience greater productivity gains than their classmates.
Support or cheat?
“The line between cheating and using artificial intelligence tools as assistance should be drawn based on the intention and extent of use,” Clarin said. Using ChatGPT to complete an entire assignment or solve a problem and submit the results as your own is cheating. However, if students critically participate in the generated content and contribute their understanding and efforts, it can be considered legitimate assistance.
For students (especially those who are experiencing difficulties with EF), a responsible way to use ChatGPT can include using it for research, generating ideas, and understanding complex concepts.
“Educators should provide guidelines and frameworks for appropriate use. Teaching digital literacy and moral considerations is also crucial,”Clarin said.
Researchers say the realistic feasibility of such education can be enhanced by using technology, promoting peer support programs, and providing professional development for teachers to identify and support students facing EF challenges.
Balancing artificial intelligence and academic integrity
The researchers said these results provide a preliminary attempt to understand the relationship between the use of artificial intelligence tools and EF in school settings.
“Our work has laid the initial foundation for educators, policymakers and technology developers to understand the role of generative artificial intelligence in education and how to balance its benefits with the need to maintain academic integrity and promote true learning. It also highlights the need for supporting measures, however, further research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding,”Daukantaité concluded.
Still, they pointed out limitations to the study, including students self-reporting their AI use, and the results may not be generalizable because they focused on specific age groups, educational backgrounds, and conducted research in different areas. Environment where every student will receive a free laptop-factors may vary depending on the situation and country.
If you want to learn more, you can click on the link below the video.
Thank you for watching this video. If you like it, please subscribe and like it. thank
Original text:https://phys.org/news/2024-08-ai-tools-chatgpt-popular-students.html
More information: Johan Klarin et al., Adolescents ‘use and perceived usefulness of generative artificial intelligence in schoolwork: Exploring their relationship to executive function and academic achievement, Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence (2024). DOI：10.3389/frai.2024.1415782 。www.frontiersin.org/journals/a … 89/frai.2024.1415782
Journal Information: Frontier of Artificial Intelligence
Oil tubing: